March 10, 2018 ~ Lenten Reflections (English & Espanol)

As parents, we can relate to these readings when God is asking his people to be contrite and humble instead of just following the letter of the law and offering burnt sacrifices. In our world, it is similar to one of our five kids doing something wrong, such as hurting a sibling, then quickly going through the motions of saying the obligatory, “I’m sorry.” Apologizing is always a good thing, but what we want even more is for them to be contrite and truly sorry in their heart for hurting another family member. This is what God wants from us – to be humble of heart and contrite when we hurt someone.

When we do hurt someone or make mistakes, the Church gives us the opportunity to apologize in a heart-felt way by going to Confession. How do we approach the Sacrament of Confession? Do we come with a contrite heart? Are we truly sorry for our sins and wanting to change our sinful ways? We encourage you as you are standing in line for your next Confession, to not just think about your list of sins, but to honestly consider why you are sorry. Don’t just go through the motions.